Care Connections: A Community Nursing Service To Meet Your Healthcare Needs

Published June 20, 2008

Richard and Carol Hinkle of Bethlehem Township have been married for 50 years.  When Carol was diagnosed with Alzheimer ’s disease, Richard knew he wanted to do all he could to keep his wife at home as long as possible. Mr. Hinkle sought help from Visiting Health and Supportive Services Care Connections program to coordinate her many healthcare needs.  “In addition to Alzheimer’s disease, Carol has B12 Absorption syndrome, which can cause damage to the brain and peripheral neuropathy,” explained Mr. Hinkle.  Once a week, Kathy Spaven, RN, a nurse from Care Connections goes to the Hinkles home to assess and give a B12 injection to Carol. 

Measuring and self-administering medications, collecting specimens and assessing vital signs all require the care of a skilled nurse.   Care Connections provides nursing staff to help individuals at home with services not covered by many insurance plans.  “Regardless of insurance coverage, many people need nursing care to manage a chronic condition.  Care Connections was created specifically to help care givers and individuals get the help they need,” explained Madeline Denlinger, RN, BSN, MPA, Director of the Care Connection Program.  Ms. Denlinger added, “Depending on your need, the best part of the service for many clients is the fact that they can get the services they need without leaving the comfort and safety of their home. 

Care Connections can perform the following services in your home:

  • Blood Work
  • Cardiac Monitoring and Reporting
  • Respiratory Monitoring and Reporting
  • Vital Sign Monitoring and Reporting
  • Diabetic Monitoring and Reporting
  • Syringe Preparation
  • Enema Administration
  • Preparation for Surgery
  • Specimen Collection and Transport to the Lab
  • Medication Dosage Pouring
  • Wound Care
  • Colostomy and Ileostomy Care
  • Immunizations

Care Connections visits are available on a daily or one-time basis.  “The process is easy, we get a call or referral and then go on the visit.  Most of the time we can visit clients the same day as we get their call.  The process is streamlined so we focus on meeting our client’s needs.  All services must be pre-arranged and some will require approval by your physician,” explained Denlinger.  “This program can give working caregivers peace of mind of knowing their loved one is being taken care of and getting the support they need throughout the day,” added Denlinger. 

“Kathy has done so much for us besides administering the B12 injections.  She has taught me how to monitor Carol so I can see if she is being lethargic and may need an injection.  Kathy has also suggested dietary supplements when she was not eating solid foods and evaluates her walking ability.  We don’t know what services we will need next but, I know that Care Connections will be there to help guide me to get Carol the care she requires,” stated Mr. Hinkle.

For more information on the Care Connections call Visiting Health and Supportive Services at (908) 788-2562.  Care Connections is part of Visiting Health Supportive Services, a department of Hunterdon Regional Community Health.  Hunterdon Regional Community Health is an alliance of competent, caring, home care service providers who specialize in identifying, planning and providing the best care to meet the needs of their clients.  In addition to Visiting Health and Supportive Services, Hunterdon Regional Community Health Services include: Hunterdon Hospice, Lifeline Personal Response Service, Hunterdon Medical Center Home Health Services and Hunterdon Community Care. 

 
 

 

 

 

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